Plant Profile: Lonicera

Other Climbers and Creepers

Honeysuckles are often regarded as somewhat weedy, untidy climbers, but in the right place they are among the easiest and most rewarding of plants. Belonging to the woodbine (Caprifoliaceae) family, the 180-odd species in the genus are widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. The genus includes climbers, ground covers, and shrubs, both evergreen and deciduous, and most of them are very hardy. Some develop into dense twiggy bushes with somewhat arching stems. These plants can be extremely ornamental, with many species bearing dainty fragrant flowers that are followed by berries that can be colorful.

Flowering Season: Summer, Autumn, Spring

Appearance

Honeysuckle foliage usually consists of opposite pairs of leathery leaves that vary in size from very small to quite long. The flowers range in size, though most are tubular and are usually cream inside, with the outer colors featuring most shades except blue. The flowers are sometimes fragrant and are often followed by ornamental berries that are usually partially enclosed by bract-like calyces that may color slightly.

Cultivation

Honeysuckles are hardy and easily grown in a position in full sun or part-shade in rich, moist, humusenriched, well-drained soil. They respond well to trimming and may be trained as hedges. They can be propagated from seed, which germinates freely if stratified, but it is usually simpler to take half-hardened cuttings, or alternatively, they can be grown from layers. Cultivars and hybrids must be propagated from cuttings.